韦he free international water safety program “Charlie the savior” is endorsed by ILS, IFSTA, RLSS Commonwealth, ACFC, GLSA, WOWSA, ISHOF and inspired by true events that took place on Baywatch.
In 1997, young Charlie Hayes, asked his mother to see the set of the world’s #1 TV series Baywatch. This was his last wish as he was suffering from terminal cancer. His wish came true. He met the legendary creator, director and producer, Greg Bonann. The love he received from Greg, the screenwriter Tai Collins and the actors, extended his life for a few months.
The international educational water safety program “Charlie the savior” is inspired by this touching story. It reminds the need for safety measures offering education on swimming, resuscitation, personal survival, applied lifeguarding and lifesaving sport with cross-sectional and entertaining way. The young readers get a Certificate of Accomplishment. It is distributed freely to serve the mission of every organization that strives to make our planet safer.
Bonann commented: “Because of Charlie I realised the huge impact that our show was having around the world. We had an obligation that Baywatch would stay special. Stathis’ touching tale hopefully may serve a higher purpose; to save many children from drowning!”
IFSTA President Dave Candler added: “Charlie the savior is inspired by a true story that took place during the set of the world’s #1 TV series “Baywatch”. It contains the elements of water safety, drowning prevention, lifesaving, lifeguarding, first aid, lifesaving sport, paddling, swimming. The majority of them, fall within the scope of our aims and objectives. The International Federation of Swimming Teachers’ Association, proudly endorses it. Drowning is a global threat and tragic reality, and scholarly efforts such as this book, that offer a fresh approach to young people and unity among relevant organizations, should be encouraged. We congratulate the book’s author.”
ISHOF honoree creator of the program, Dr. Stathis Avramidis, officer of the National Public Health Organization, Academic Fellow of Applied Lifeguarding and Lifesaving Sport in the University of Athens and President of the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association, added: “Education is the most powerful tool for injury prevention. This program serves a supreme goal and a personal debt. I thank my colleagues, the organizations, the reviewers, Greg and Tai that trusted me and those that will implement it. Drowning is a multidimensional problem. Only united we can reduce it.”
The program has been reviewed by 19 experts in 8 countries. It is endorsed by the following organizations:聽Greek Lifesaving Sports Association, International Swimming Hall of Fame, International Life Saving Federation, Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth, International Federation of Swimming Teachers’ Association, A Chance for Children Foundation, World Open Water Swimming Association and International Water Safety Foundation that operate in over 100 countries. The talented Nikos Kouremenos gave the “kiss of life” to the text with his illustrations.
